These are some of the questions I had when I first got interested in shooting shows. And now, after shooting for almost 2 years now, I partially know the answers to well, some of them.
HOW DO I GET A PHOTO PASS/CREDENTIALS?
The best thing to do when you're starting out is to go to some small local venues like clubs or bars in your area. A lot of the time you can get your camera in to these shows and just to be cool, you could also try to contact the band and let them know that you're trying to start a portfolio and so on. You'll be able to shoot the whole set and get a lot of cool shots for your portfolio... Once you get some cool shots, you might be ready to move on up to bigger bands. You're best best is to look for a local magazine, webzine, newspaper, etc to shoot for. It may be possible to get a photopass on your own without any ties to a large media outlet (I have), but it can be tough most of the time. The next step is to contact the band's publicist. It may be tough to find this information, but I've had a lot of luck so far with myspace band sites in finding that information. Once you get in touch with the right person, good luck! Remember, it doesn't hurt to ask. I've been surprised a few times to.Good luck
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I GET TO THE VENUE?
Well, if you're me...you cross your fingers. I don't know what it is, but I've had my share of shows where I wasn't on the list. Not too surprising because I know that can happen, its just frustrating. Anyway, you'll usually just go to will call and ask for the photo/guest list and present them with your I.D. They'll let you know then what else you need to do. Once you find out you are on the list, you're golden from there.
DO I GET TO WATCH THE WHOLE SHOW?
When I first thought about shooting shows I thought I would get to shoot and enjoy the entire show. Very soon did I find out that thats not always the case. It really depends on the venue. I like shooting at venues like the House Of Blues because even after I shoot my 3 (allowable) songs in the pit, I can still enjoy the rest of the show if I choose. Now thats not the case at other venues. I've been escorted out of the showroom after my 3 songs and had to wait out there for the next band to go on only to do the same thing... Not so fun. So as you can see, it may vary from venue to venue, at least from my experience.
CAN I USE A FLASH AT SHOWS?
This is pretty surprising to me. I've shot at the same venue a few times and sometimes they allow flash and other times they don't. I don't get it, but it may be a request from the bands or just might depend on who is working that night. Whatever the case may be, I try to stay away from flash most of the time. I think I've used flash once and I personally wasn't pleased with how my shots came out. However, you can do some cool stuff with an off camera flash, pretty amazing stuff.
HOW DO I MAKE MONEY WITH CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY?
This is the question of the century and I sure as heck do not have the answer to this one. I know you can a get a few bucks from contributing to magazines or whatever, but if anyone has a real way to make money with shooting shows, please...let me know.. :)
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